The emerging Fibonacci Quartet and the established Carducci Quartet will emphasise string quartet practice within the college and the broader community throughout the new two-year residency

The Fibonacci Quartet at the Royal Welsh College

The Fibonacci Quartet at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

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The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff has launched a two-year string quartet residency, which will provide financial support to both the Carducci Quartet and the Fibonacci Quartet.

The residency aims to foster artistic excellence alongside cultivating the next generation of musicians, while bringing world-class music into the heart of the local community.

’This exciting new residency brings two extraordinary string quartets into the College, at very different stages of their careers, and each with unique energy and vision at a pivotal time for the arts,’ said Helena Gaunt, principal of the RWCMD.

‘We are providing them with a creative base in a creative community, and stability to grow their artistry in an environment that nurtures collaboration and innovation.’

An emerging ensemble, the Fibonacci Quartet are currently YCat artists and recent winners of the 2024 Borciani International String Quartet competition, while the established award-winning Carducci Quartet was formed in 1997 and aims to bring its wealth of experience to the residency.

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The Carducci Quartet © Tom Barnes

’We see this residency as an opportunity to develop fresh, collaborative projects and establish meaningful connections within the College and the wider community,’ the Carducci Quartet said in a statement.

’The dynamic exchange of ideas and the chance to work in such an inspiring environment will help us refine our own artistic vision while fostering new opportunities for local engagement.’

Elliot Kempton, violist of the Fibonacci Quartet and RWCMD graduate, said: ’The Royal Welsh College provided me with exceptional training for a career in chamber music. It is now such a privilege to give back to the College’s chamber music programme with my quartet.

’We are so excited to collaborate and perform with the students, and to build meaningful connections with both the College and the wider community.’

The residency is supported by The Frost Music Trust, with additional funding from the Colwinston Charitable Trust.

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